If you decide to get permanent extensions, you 100% wanna keep them looking good as long as possible! But … washing hair with extensions requires careful handling to ensure that both your natural hair and the extensions remain in good condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash hair with extensions properly, why it is so important to do so & some great hacks that you didn´t know about!
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 1: Add a Hair Oiling Routine
Before you even step into the shower, you should use hair oil to nourish your scalp & hair. Find here a thorough step-by-step guide for the perfect hair oiling routine & here are some of the amazing benefits this treatment has for your hair!
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 2: Brush Your Hair
Start by gently brushing your hair to detangle it before you get it wet. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft bristle brush To avoid pulling the extensions too much, begin at the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 3: Wet Your Hair
Wet your hair gradually under lukewarm water. Avoid high-pressure water directly on the roots where the extensions bond. Use your fingers to gently get your hair wet and avoid tangling.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 4: Apply Shampoo
Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can weaken the bond of the extensions. Find here some suitable shampoos!
This is a hack, I haven´t known myself: Dilute the shampoo with some water in your palm before applying it. This will help evenly distribute the shampoo without using too much.
Apply the shampoo from the roots to the ends in a downward motion. Avoid rubbing your hair, especially at the extension bonds.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 5: Cleanse Your Scalp
Gently massage your scalp with the tips of your fingers. Avoid using nails or scrubbing too hard.
Be gentle around the extension bonds, and do not pull on them.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 6: Rinse Your Hair
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure all shampoo is removed to prevent build-up.
Support your extensions by holding them at the bond or tape as you rinse.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 7: Apply Conditioner
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the roots and the bonds of the extensions.
Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes to help hydrate and smooth your hair. Find here some great conditioners!
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 8: Rinse Again
Rinse the conditioner thoroughly with cool water. Cool water helps seal moisture within the hair and adds shine.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 9: Dry Your Hair
Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel.
Air dry your hair as much as possible. If you need a hair dryer, use it in a cool setting and keep the dryer moving to avoid heat damage.
Brush your hair gently when it’s mostly dry. Again, start from the end and work your way up.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 10: Apply Aftercare Products
Use a leave-in conditioner or a detangler to help maintain the smoothness of your hair and extensions.
Apply sparingly and avoid the roots and bonds of the extensions.
How to Wash Hair with Extensions Step 11: Regular Maintenance
- Schedule regular maintenance appointments with your stylist to ensure your extensions are in good condition.
- Avoid sleeping with wet hair, and braid your hair loosely to prevent tangling overnight.
Following these steps will help you maintain your hair extensions while keeping your natural hair healthy.
6 Reasons why it is SO important to wash hair with extensions properly
Washing hair extensions properly is crucial for several reasons, each of which helps maintain both the appearance and longevity of the extensions, as well as the health of your natural hair. Here’s why it’s important:
Maintaining Hair Health
Proper washing helps prevent the buildup of oils, sweat, and products on the scalp and hair. This buildup can cause the hair and scalp to become dirty and greasy, potentially leading to irritation or infections.
Extending the Life of Extensions
Hair extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp like natural hair does. Therefore, gentle and thorough cleaning is necessary to keep them looking their best and to prevent them from becoming brittle and dry, which can lead to breakage and a shorter lifespan.
Preventing Tangling and Matting
Without proper washing and detangling, hair extensions can become knotted and matted, which is difficult to manage and can pull on natural hair. This pulling can cause discomfort and even lead to hair loss.
Ensuring Aesthetic Quality
Clean extensions are smoother, shinier, and easier to style. Regular and correct washing methods help maintain the color and texture of the extensions, ensuring they blend seamlessly with natural hair.
Protecting the Bond
Extensions are often attached to bonds that can be sensitive to chemicals and rough handling. Proper washing techniques avoid stressing these bonds, which helps prevent them from loosening or becoming damaged, thereby keeping the extensions securely attached.
Promoting Overall Scalp Health
Keeping the scalp clean and free from irritation is important, especially when wearing extensions. Dirt and product buildup can clog hair follicles and inhibit hair growth.
Conclusion
By adhering to the recommended washing techniques, you can avoid these issues and ensure that your hair extensions look and feel as natural and healthy as possible.